The Spaniard appeared to all but end Moyes' hopes of signing him on Thursday when he insisted he was "very happy" at the Nou Camp.

"Triumphing in Barcelona is what I have been hoping for all my life. It's been my dream since I was a child," said the 26-year-old.

"I am very happy at Barcelona and I haven't spoken to any other club in the last two years.

"I've been relaxed about it the whole time. I didn't have to clarify anything because the only thing I was thinking about was staying at Barca," he added.

(Image: John Peters)

Moyes has now given up on his plan to sign Fabregas, and has instead turned his attentions to former Spurs man Modric, with sources suggesting United are ready to submit a bid "within days".

Moyes is a long term admirer of Modric and even tried to sign him for Everton before he eventually went to Tottenham, and his Old Trafford predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson is also a confirmed fan, recommending the Croatian as a potential target last season.